Introduction
Sarvs Falefitu is a 40year old NZ born, Auckland bred Samoan/ Niuean. Sarvs is mother to four teenagers (Kroydon 19 years, Denae 16 years, Kendra 14 years, Grayson 13 years) and has been married to her 'Samoan warrior' for 19 1/2 years.
I have breast cancer and so...
This blog has been created in the hopes that I could raise awareness of this 'evil influence that spreads dangerously', according to Collins English Dictionary, Compact Edition, to fundraise to cover the majority of my Herceptin treatment and hopefully this might help other women even in the tiniest way who might be living and dealing to breast cancer also.
I have Grade 2, HER2 positive type cancer and my cancer has moved away from the primary spot and invaded other parts of my body via my lymph vessels and blood vessels. Along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy I will also need Herceptin. NZ only funds Herceptin for 9 weeks but a full 12 months is recommended. I have opted to take the recommended 12 months and it will cost exactly $96,273.60. While some specialists are 'comfortable' with 9 weeks of Herceptin, I am not. I want to attend my teenagers graduations. I need to wave them goodbye when they go on their OE's. I wish to witness them all walk down the aisles, be present at the births of my grandchillens and finally do my big OE with my hubby too - of course without the grandchillens!!! Clearly I have far too much to live for and I implore anyone with time to please support my fundraisers or send any fundraising ideas our way.
Your support will make a lasting difference to my quality of life and I sincerely thank you all in advance for your love and support.
Accolades
Sarvs wishes to acknowledge the amazing staff at St Marks Clinic who at the early days of her breast cancer diagnosis helped and coached her through one of the darkest days of her life.Thank you Michelle, Beverley, Jenny, Tracey, the wonderful surgeons Stephen and Stan. Most importantly Sarvs would like to acknowledge 'Johnny' for having the foresight to establish a beautiful haven such as St Marks Clinic many years ago for women such as herself.
Breakdown of Herceptin costs
Since day dot Dr Mike McCrystal my oncologist has been apologetic of the horrendous Herceptin costs for HER2+ women. Nothing to apologise about Mike it is out of your hands and ours however look closely at what Pharmac and NZ Government are blissfully content in handing to a cancer patient and their loved ones -
Loading dose cost: (1 loading treatment)
Drug cost, delivery (+GST) 500mg $7018.65
Nursing $250.00
Medical $350.00
Consumables $35.00
Hospital charge $100.00
GST $969.20
Sub-total $8722.85 for loading dose at 8mg/kg
Maintenance dose cost: (13 maintenance treatments)
Drug cost, delivery (+GST) 370mg $5251.35
Nursing $250.00
Medical $350.00
Consumables $350.00
Hospital charge $100.00
GST $748.30
Total $6734.65 maintenance dose at 6mg/ kg
Overall total for full course: $96,273.60
So dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer, losing a breast, having major surgery, being put through chemo treatment, being hospitalised 3 times, going through radiotherapy, getting through the remission period, dealing with the emotional side of this all and then having to fundraise endlessly for Herceptin do you think Pharmac or NZ Government have the right to play God with our lives?!!
Mammograms are completed by an x-ray of the breast to detect cancers that are tiny and before they can be felt.
Screening mammograms are performed to ‘screen’ for signs of change of the breasts or cancer. Where there is concern of a lump a screening diagnostic mammogram is used to help make a diagnosis.
The larger the breast lump the greater the risk that the cancer could have spread beyond the breast.
9 out of 10 breast lumps and breast changes are found to be harmless so early and regular breast examinations and mammograms can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
I chose to ignore the discharge of the nipple for a couple of months and then when I found the lump I was already at stage 2.
I was ignorant to breast cancer but since my diagnosis I will always encourage women of all ages to go and spend $100-$160 (depending where you choose to go) for peace of mind. We spend that in one shopping spree alone so why not really treat yourself.
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundations website is both educational and highly recommended to view.
For the sake of saving all the heartache take a moment to check out other information on their website.
Mammograms are completed by an x-ray of the breast to detect cancers that are tiny and before they can be felt.
1 comment:
Research Blog on Breast Cancer
Dear Friend
We are currently running a research blog or online discussion on the subject of information sources for women with breast cancer. We are seeking the opinions of both people have had or have family members with breast cancer.
In particular we are interested in the kinds of information you would like to see provide to women in this situation.
We would love it if you could share your story or just post useful resources for suffers, carers and family members
If you are interested there are two ways of participating. Firstly send me a message and I will send you a link to the survey
Firstly you could join our community The Patients’ Voice and we will send you invitation.
http://www.thepatientconnections.com/patients-voice/index.html
You would become eligible for our paid surveys if you do.
Or you could have a look at the blog here
http://www.thepatientconnections.com/blog.asp?uid=67n5u6
Thanks for your help in advance
Belinda
PS If you have not already done so why not become a friend online.
Post a Comment